Former Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci delivered a fierce sliding tackle on ex-England captain Steph Houghton during Sunday's Soccer Aid charity match at Old Trafford, leaving her in considerable pain on the pitch.
The Italian legend showed no mercy in the closing stages of the match, which the World XI won 5-4, when he fully committed to a 50/50 challenge that sent Houghton crashing to the ground.
The brutal tackle occurred as the ball was played down England's right flank, with both players competing for possession.
Whilst Houghton appeared somewhat cautious in her approach, Bonucci threw himself into the challenge with characteristic intensity, winning the ball but leaving his opponent writhing in agony.
Former Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci delivered a fierce sliding tackle on ex-England captain Steph Houghton during Sunday's Soccer Aid charity match at Old Trafford, leaving her in considerable pain on the pitch
GETTY
The Italian's momentum carried him straight into Houghton, who immediately collapsed to the turf in distress.
Despite coming away with possession, Bonucci quickly recognised the severity of the situation and halted play to ensure his opponent could receive medical attention.
Medical staff attended to Houghton for several minutes as she remained on the ground. The former Manchester City defender eventually managed to regain her feet and continued playing through the final moments of the match.
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Bonucci Not about the Woke life 🤣🤣🤣#SoccerAid pic.twitter.com/CuQVwmL5RM
— Amit (@amit_mavar) June 15, 2025
The incident quickly spread across social media platforms, generating significant attention and debate amongst football fans about the nature of the challenge in what was meant to be a charitable exhibition match.
The tackle sparked mixed reactions online, with many supporters defending Bonucci's uncompromising approach to the game.
"Proper challenge. Houghton can take it and wouldn't want it any other way," one X user wrote.
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Another fan hailed him as a "legend", whilst one supporter said the ex-Juventus and Italy star 'wasn't about the woke life'.
However, others questioned whether such aggressive play was appropriate for a charity event raising funds for UNICEF. Paddy Power asked on its social media account: "Does Leonardo Bonucci know it's a charity game?"
The divide in opinion highlighted the ongoing debate about competitive intensity in exhibition matches, particularly when former professionals are involved alongside celebrities and amateur players.
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Bonucci concluded his professional career in 2024 after a stint with Turkish side Fenerbahce.
The centre-back enjoyed his greatest success at Juventus, where he claimed nine Serie A titles during multiple spells with the Turin giants.
He was also instrumental in Italy's triumphant European Championship campaign in 2021, forming a formidable defensive partnership that helped secure the nation's second continental title.
Leonardo Bonucci helped the World XI win Soccer Aid on Sunday
GETTY
Houghton similarly retired from professional football in 2024, having earned 121 caps for England throughout her distinguished international career.
The defender led the Lionesses as captain to a third-place finish at the 2015 World Cup, establishing herself as one of the most successful players in English women's football history.
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